India lost three consecutive ODIs under the captaincy of Virat Kohli for the first time and suffered a series defeat at home post-2009.
Australia rode on an impressive show by their bowlers after a second century of the series by Usman Khawaja to beat India by 35 runs in the fifth ODI at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi, on Wednesday.
India lost the five-match series, their final assignment before the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, by a close margin of 2-3.
That's a wrap!
Australia win by 35 runs and clinch the series 3-2 #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/SyCAR2JwDM
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 13, 2019
Perfect 10 year challenge for Australia #INDvAUS #AUSvIND #Cricket #TheCricketTimes pic.twitter.com/iaWVvt0MdD
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 14, 2019
While many cricket fans and experts see the series loss against the Aussies as an eye-opener for the Men in Blue ahead of a mega ICC event, captain Virat Kohli said: “None of the guys in the dressing room is panicking. We are very much about our combination for the World Cup.”
“We are sorted combination wise. We know our playing XI going into the World Cup. There will be just one change based on condition. When Hardik Pandya will come back, he gives depth in batting and opens up options in bowling. We know where we are going. We are clear about our playing XI,” he said at the post-match press conference.
“I don’t think any one team starts as favourites in the World Cup. West Indies, England, New Zealand look strong, we are strong, now even Australia look balanced, Pakistan can defeat anyone on their day. It’s very important to understand what mindset you take to the World Cup,” Kohli added.
